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Theater Wed Sep 28 2011
The New Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center: 2011-2012 Season
The 2011-2012 theater season kicks off in a big way for the Black Ensemble Theater; in addition to celebrating 35 years of musical stage plays, the theater company will also celebrate the highly-anticipated grand opening of the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, on November 18.
For Jackie Taylor, the new facility is not only a milestone, but is also an opportunity to broaden the Black Ensemble audience as well as its theater education projects. "The new building will allow us to expand our audiences and pursue our educational efforts, while our shows will remain true to the Black Ensemble style, delivering 'feel good' stories with outstanding music," said Taylor, the theater's founder and executive director.
A few highlights of the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center include a 299-seat main stage theater, a 150-seat experimental stage that will feature the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI), a dance studio, shops for scenery and costumes, a front lobby complete with a concession area and an indoor parking garage.
The 2011-2012 season, entitled "The Legendary Season of Rhythm & Blues," opens November 18-January 8, 2012, with the return of an audience favorite The Jackie Wilson Story ("My Heart is Crying, Crying"). Performances run Wednesdays through Sundays: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays 8pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3pm. Tickets are $55-$65 and go on sale October 1. For more information on the upcoming season, call 773-769-4451.
